Fuel oil storage tanks are a potential source of environmental pollution, particularly of groundwater. A leak, even a minor one that is invisible to the naked eye, can in fact lead to significant contamination of soil and groundwater.
Preventing these risks relies in particular on the reliability of the inspections carried out on fuel oil storage facilities. These inspections are carried out by technicians approved by the Walloon Region, in accordance with the applicable methods and requirements.
In this context, the ISSeP is involved in several areas relating to the inspection of heating oil storage tanks with a capacity of between 3,000 L and 24,999 L.
Assessment of the skills of certified technicians
The ISSeP is notably involved in assessing the skills of technicians certified to inspect heating oil storage tanks, particularly in relation to ‘ultrasonic’ certification.
Two types of examination are used to assess the inspectors’ skills.
Skills assessment
The skills assessment evaluates the theoretical knowledge of technicians wishing to begin inspecting fuel oil storage tanks.
Passing this examination is a requirement for an initial application for accreditation.
To prepare for this assessment, candidates are advised to undertake training beforehand to acquire the necessary theoretical knowledge.
Accreditation renewal examination
The accreditation renewal examination is intended for technicians wishing to renew their accreditation.
It verifies that the skills required to carry out the work are still being maintained. Where necessary, the results may lead to a recommendation for training aimed at maintaining these skills.
Registration for these examinations takes place on the following website: https://issep-formations.odoo.com/event
Drawing on its scientific and technical expertise, the ISSeP is contributing to the development of a Walloon Guide to Good Practice (GWBP), also known as a technical guide, dedicated to heating oil storage installations.
Developed in collaboration with the various stakeholders in the sector, this guide aims to support the evolution of the regulatory framework applicable to these installations and to set out the best practices to be implemented.
In particular, it will address the following aspects:
- the design of tanks;
- the installation and positioning of equipment;
- ancillary equipment;
- periodic inspections;
- verification methods;
- the prevention of pollution risks.
Particular attention is also paid to the economic impact of the new requirements, with a view to striking a balance between an adequate level of environmental protection and reasonable compliance costs for the owners of the installations.
Validation of leak detection techniques
The Walloon Region currently provides for two types of accreditation for technicians responsible for checking the leak-tightness of fuel oil storage tanks:
- The ‘ultrasonic’ accreditation;
- The ‘vacuum’ accreditation.
These two methods are based on different detection principles and require suitable measuring equipment. The reliability and performance of this equipment are essential to guaranteeing the quality of the inspections carried out in the field.
In this context, the ISSeP is developing test protocols to assess the performance of the devices and to define the criteria they must meet in order to be used in the context of inspections carried out in Wallonia.
The ISSeP also assesses the performance of new equipment and new leak detection methods. These assessments enable the reliability and effectiveness of such equipment and methods to be evaluated and, where appropriate, contribute to their approval by the Walloon Region for use in regulatory inspections.
Contacts
Contact – ISSeP
Luna Breuer
l.breuer@issep.be
+32 65 61 08 18
Contact for examinations
controle-citerne@issep.be
+32 65 61 08 18